Visual Arts

UK and USA news broadcasts can be heard

The contemporary art exhibition presents a unique experience in Chelmsford commemorating our county’s heritage as the birthplace of wireless communication. In 1901 Marconi, an Italian radio pioneer, sent the first wireless telegraph signal over the Atlantic from Chelmsford and went on to choose the county town as the site of his organisation which was to revolutionise the way we communicate.

Tim Skinner's 'Sonic Installation'

I have been able to claim a small involvement invigilating at InterAlia’s opening weekend so have been able to witness its impact first hand. The mix of purely visual and interactive art makes the exhibition truly accessible and it has been a refreshing change to see such a mixture of visitors at a contemporary exhibition. My personal favourite changed frequently over the weekend but Tim Skinner’s ‘Sonic Installation’ was certainly a big hit with all ages. Consisting of a microphone and pool of water it is an interactive piece which engaged visitors in creating a visual impact from sound. By speaking and blowing into the microphone, ripples could be made on the water creating a link between sound and visual communication. 'Black Lady Below', a slightly more conventional piece, was also a personal favourite challenging the barriers of communication in society with both humour and sensitivity.

Watching film about the trail of Marconi

Whether it be to appreciate the art or history, the exhibition is already proving popular. The most widespread comments have highlighted that Chelmsford’s links to Marconi needs to be officially and permanently commemorated, and that there needs to be a permanent space like this in Chelmsford showing local art. There is certainly justification in both and the development of ideas like this prove just how much people in Essex are willing to appreciate creativity in the county of both the past and present.